Gina Tricot
Sweden
Gina Tricot is a Swedish fast-fashion chain founded in 1997 by Jorgen and Annette Appelqvist and based in Boras. It sells affordable womenswear and some children's clothing in stores and online. Nordic Capital agreed to acquire a majority stake in 2014, and current ownership was not verified.
| Founded | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Jorgen and Annette Appelqvist |
| Headquarters | Boras, Sweden |
| Majority investor (2014) | Nordic Capital (agreed June 2014) |
| Markets | More than 30 countries (website) |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Website | ginatricot.com |
What is Gina Tricot?
Gina Tricot is a Swedish fashion chain selling the latest trends to women, and also pre-teen and children's clothing, which it describes as feminine, stylish and affordable. Its website says it serves customers in more than 30 countries, with an address in Boras, Sweden.
History
The company was founded in 1997 by Jorgen and Annette Appelqvist. According to the retailer's own account, the concept was discussed at the family's kitchen table in Boras, and the first twelve stores all opened in Sweden that year. A new headquarters in Boras, designed by architect Gert Wingardh, opened in November 2010 and had about 180 people working in it.
In June 2014 FashionUnited reported that Nordic Capital had agreed to acquire a majority stake, with the Appelqvist family remaining a significant shareholder. Goran Bille, who came from Lindex, was to become chief executive at the end of 2014, with co-founder Jorgen Appelqvist moving to the board. The report cited about 180 stores in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Germany, about 2,000 employees and revenue of roughly 220 million euros in 2013. These figures are from 2014 and are not current.
Products and positioning
The range covers women's clothing such as jackets, jeans and accessories, with children's clothing alongside, at low price points and with frequent sales.
Business model and distribution
Gina Tricot sells through its own stores and its online shop, which ships to many countries. Current store counts and leadership were not available in the sources reviewed.
Why it matters
The company is one of the Nordic region's better-known homegrown fast-fashion chains and an example of the private-equity backed growth model in European retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Gina Tricot?
In June 2014 Nordic Capital agreed to acquire a majority stake, with the founding Appelqvist family remaining a significant shareholder. The current ownership structure was not verified.
Where is Gina Tricot from?
Gina Tricot is a Swedish brand founded in 1997 and headquartered in Boras. It began with twelve stores in Sweden.